Dionysus Ebony V Val P Explain the Cult

Dionysus Ebony V. , Val P.

Explain the Cult of Dionysus: • • Cult of Dionysus –religious practice worshiping Dionysus. Associated with satyrs and centaurs Characteristic: Bull, ivy and wine Dionysia Festival in Athens- dedicated to him

• Statue of Dionysus

What was Dionysus the god of? • • • God of Wine God of Wilderness God of Vegetation God of Fertility God of Ecstasy God of Festivity

“God of Wine and vegetation. . ”

What was this god like? • Depicted as either an older bearded god or a long haired youth • Symbols: drinking cup and vine • Accompanied by satyrs and nymphs • Enjoys life and its pleasures

“he loved life and it’s pleasures”

Why was this god important to theater? Festival held in Dionysia in the spring- plays performed Theatres names after him Tragedies closely connected to Dionysus Tragedy, etimology –tragoi/goats (dionysus’ followers sometimes depicted as goats • Aulos or double pipe accompanied tragedies ( dionysus’ was many times depicted playing the aulos) • •

The Aulos

How did the Greeks celebrate this god? • • • The Great Dionysia in March Plays in agora Performed plays (tragedies, comedies etc. ) Danced Drunk a lot of wine

“ They celebrated The Great Dionysia in the Agora”

Explain Dionysus’ relationship to the other gods. • • Son of Zeus and Semele (mortal princess) Considered a semi-mortal by most gods. Apollo's half brother Head of the nymphs and the satyrs.

Apollo, Dionysus and Hermes

Fun Facts: • Also known by his Roman name Braccus. • He was the only god with a mortal parent. • Rescued his mother from the underworld.

Citation: • Arch, Zofia. Discovering the World of Ancient Greeks. New York: Facts on File, 1991. Print. • "Cult of Dionysus. " Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 07 Sept. 2013. Web. 11 July 2013 • "DIONYSUS : Greek God of Wine & Festivity | Mythology, Dionysos, W/ Pictures | Roman Bacchus. " DIONYSUS : Greek God of Wine & Festivity | Mythology, Dionysos, W/ Pictures | Roman Bacchus. N. p. , n. d. Web. 11 July 2013 • "Dionysus - Greek Gods. " Dionysus - Greek Gods. N. p. , n. d. Web. 11 July 2013 • "Dionysus and Greek Drama. " Dionysus and Greek Drama. N. p. , n. d. Web. 11 July 2013 • Nardo, Don. The Ancient Greeks. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2001. Print • Pinsent, John, and Jan Parker. Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1970. Print